Winnipeg Blue Bombers legend Leo Lewis dead at 80

Former Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Leo Lewis heads onto the field during a half-time presentation of Grey Cup rings at the Winnipeg Blue Bombers/Calgary Stampeders game at Canad Inns Stadium in Winnipeg. (JASON HALSTEAD/Winnipeg Sun)

Winnipeg Blue Bombers legend Leo Lewis passed away on Friday at the age of 80.

Lewis, who was known as the Lincoln Locomotive, played for the Bombers between 1955 and 1966. He won four Grey Cups and was the franchise rushing leader until Charles Roberts broke his mark in 2007.

Lewis was a part of four Grey Cup-winning teams in Winnipeg, and he was the team’s most outstanding player in five of his 11 seasons in Blue and Gold.

“It is with deep sadness that we have to say goodbye to one of our great alumni, especially one of legendary stature like Leo Lewis,” Bombers acting CEO Wade Miller said in a press release.

“I remember my dad telling me stories of playing with Leo with Blue Bombers and what an amazing running back he was. He will forever remain one of the best players to ever suit up in Blue and Gold, and our hearts go out to his family during this difficult time.”

Lewis was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1973 and was named one of Winnipeg’s top 20 players during its 75th anniversary celebrations in 2005.

“He was a quarterback's best friend,” former Bomber quarterback Ken Ploen told the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame. “It didn’t matter what you asked him to do. He’d do it to the best of his ability. He was there all the time. He never complained. He was a true professional.”

Ex-Bombers head coach Bud Grant famously once said Lewis was the best football player he ever coached.